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Divine Arm Crossbow

Type Object Region China Time c. 1070–1127

The Divine Arm Crossbow, standardized and mass-issued in the mid-to-late Northern Song, far surpassed traditional crossbows in range and penetration,…

Timeline

  1. c. 1070–1080Kaifeng Prefecture · HenanUnder the demands of northwestern campaigns during Emperor Shenzong's reign, the crossbow mechanism was improved, producing a Divine Arm Crossbow prototype with greater range and draw weight.
  2. c. 1080–1110Northern Song imperial guard and frontier circuits · ChinaThe Divine Arm Crossbow gradually replaced some traditional crossbows in the imperial guard and frontier armies; the court established drill regulations and shooting methods, requiring soldiers to span the string with their feet and maintain uniform shooting distances.
  3. 1121–1127Two Rivers and outskirts of Bianjing · HenanAfter 1121, Song forces formed crossbow formations with the Divine Arm Crossbow to slow Jin cavalry charges, effectively killing Iron Pagodas in some battles, but unable to reverse the overall disadvantage.
  4. 1127–1150Lin'an Prefecture · ZhejiangAfter the fall of Bianjing, Divine Arm Crossbow craftsmen and blueprints were largely lost; although the Southern Song attempted copies, quality declined, making it difficult to recover the Northern Song's range and power.

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